The transition towards more sustainable urban infrastructures is driven by the need to generate clean energy, reduce emissions, and improve the efficiency of public spaces. Large-capacity car parks represent an opportunity to integrate solutions that combine user comfort with renewable energy production.

In this article, we analyze the success story of Parc Sagunt, where GDES Efficiency has carried out the installation of photovoltaic canopies for 1,600 parking spaces. This project, commissioned by the joint venture formed by Rover Grupo and Geominerales, provides shade and protection for vehicles while generating renewable electricity for self-consumption, efficient lighting, and electric vehicle charging.

Introduction

Large-scale car parks require solutions that ensure thermal comfort, safety, and sustainability. In Parc Sagunt, the need was clear: to protect vehicles against solar radiation while reducing grid energy consumption through self-generated renewable electricity.

To address this, GDES Efficiency developed a comprehensive turnkey EPC project, executed within one year and completed in October 2024, combining highly durable metal canopies—suitable for marine environments—with next-generation photovoltaic modules.

Installation Features

• Installed capacity: 738 kWp and 600 kWn

• Coverage: 1,600 parking spaces

• Structure: optimized metal canopies with anti-corrosion treatment and integrated architectural design

• Photovoltaic technology: high-efficiency modules adapted to wind and snow loads as required by regulations

• Electrical equipment: high-efficiency three-phase inverters and DC/AC protection systems in compliance with RD 244/2019 and ITC-BT-40

• Energy management: proprietary advanced monitoring system (GDES EMS) to visualize generation, consumption, and charging in real time

Sustainability and Emissions Reduction

The energy generated by the installation is used to:

• Power the car park’s efficient LED lighting

• Supply electricity to EV charging points distributed across the site

• Reduce grid consumption, lowering CO₂ emissions and the carbon footprint

Savings, Efficiency, and Added Value

• Comprehensive EPC solution: design, engineering, supply, installation, and maintenance managed by GDES, ensuring deadlines, quality, and safety

• Innovation and circularity: integration with the R&D department and collaboration with CERFO for panel and component recycling at the end of their service life

Energy Resilience and Additional Benefits

• Thermal comfort: shade and protection for 1,600 vehicles

• Operational efficiency: renewable energy allocated to on-site self-consumption

• Compatibility and safety: maximum standards in occupational risk prevention and optimized structural design

• Replicable model: a scalable solution for other business and industrial parks seeking to reduce their environmental impact

Conclusion

The photovoltaic canopy project in Parc Sagunt demonstrates that renewable generation integrated into urban infrastructure is viable, profitable, and beneficial for users. The combination of shade, energy efficiency, and electric mobility makes this installation a benchmark for sustainability in industrial and logistics environments.

With the promotion of self-consumption models, European funding, and GDES’s expertise, this type of project sets the path towards decarbonization and modernization of urban spaces in Spain.